Missouri Department of Natural Resources director dies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Carol S. Comer has died.

According to the Associated Press, officials did not release a cause of death but Comer announced in July 2019 that she was undergoing chemotherapy to fight cancer. 

Comer was named director in Jan. 2017 by former Gov. Greitens.

The Department of Natural Resources released the following statement on Comer's death:

We are sad to confirm the passing of Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Director Carol Comer. We plan to carry out her vision for the agency moving forward. We are thankful for the strong leadership of Deputy Directors Dru Buntin and Katie Jo Wheeler.

Department of Natural Resources

Gov. Mike Parson released the following statement on Comer's passing.

We are greatly saddened and heartbroken to hear of Director Comer’s passing. Carol was an extremely talented and accomplished leader, and the entire state of Missouri grieves alongside her friends and family. Carol brought expertise, energy, and an enthusiastic smile to every project, and she will be deeply missed among our cabinet and in the thousands of lives that she touched. She was a dedicated public servant who loved this state, its people, and the great outdoors. We could not have asked for a better advocate for Missouri’s natural resources. Teresa and I will keep Carol’s loved ones in our prayers as we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual.

Gov. Mike Parson

The Department of Public Safety tweeted about Comer's death.

The department of natural resources helps protect Missouri's air, land, water and other resources.